Godwin ObajeRussell Martin’s Rangers Appointment Signals New Chapter in Glasgow Rivalry
After weeks of wild speculation and increasingly far-fetched fantasy, the dust has settled at Ibrox and the new man in charge of Rangers has been confirmed: Russell Martin. The 39-year-old former Southampton boss has accepted the role, stepping into one of the most high-pressure jobs in British football.
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news on Tuesday, stating:
“Rangers are closing in on the appointment of Russell Martin as new head coach. Former Southampton manager has already accepted the project, ready for new chapter.”
From the outside, it’s a deflating climax to a managerial hunt that began with bluster and ended with a gamble. Ibrox supporters had been dreaming of names like Jose Mourinho, Marco Rose, or even a sensational return for Steven Gerrard. Some even floated the ridiculous idea of Ange Postecoglou returning north. In the end, it is Russell Martin — a man whose most recent job ended in Premier League relegation and a sacking in December 2024 — who will lead Rangers into the next campaign.
To many, it feels underwhelming. A downgrade, perhaps. Certainly not the marquee appointment fans envisioned in the wake of the club’s recent takeover. One cheeky fan dubbed him “Baby Rodge” — a nod to Brendan Rodgers’ moniker and a reminder of the ongoing psychological war that defines the Glasgow divide.
Yet while supporters mock and memes do the rounds, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers will not be laughing just yet. He’s seen too many false dawns at Ibrox to dismiss a new rival outright.
“Hopefully, as has always been the case, Brendan Rodgers is up to the task of seeing off yet another rival from Ibrox whose sole objective will be to topple Celtic.”
Indeed, Rodgers has already seen off Mark Warburton, Pedro Caixinha, Steven Gerrard, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Michael Beale and most recently Philippe Clement — whose reign ended
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